“Pashto is not only a language, it is an entire culture,” said the chief guest, Abaseen Yousafzai. “Promoting the language means promoting the hundreds of years old Pukhtun culture,” stated Yousafzai.
“History shows Pukhtuns have always preached peace and have never attacked others; unfortunately our land was always attacked by invaders from the world over like Alexander The Great and the Mughals.” He added, “Pukhtuns always fight a defensive war to protect their heritage.”
According to Yousafzai, the Pukhtun land is once again under threat. After reciting his work, the poet urged the participants to help promote peace using their words.
Failing to make a difference
Poet and broadcaster Dr Israr Atal also addressed the gathering at the hujra. “Poets can play a vital role in promoting peace through active participation, but they have failed.”
While praising Nisar’s efforts to gather the wordsmiths under one roof, Atal said, “Unfortunately, poets are no longer united, so how can they then unite the nation?”
Talking to The Express Tribune, Atal also criticised the method by which the government was changing the curricula for the province. “Among 40 subject specialists who are part of the relevant committee, 22 belong to Malakand,” he said, terming it nepotism. “Fata’s poets have no representation there either.”
Another poet, Shams Mohmand, also present on the occasion, accepted while poets remain divided on many issues, with the support of the government, they would be able to play their role positively.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2014.
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